DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OVERWRAPPING IDENTICAL OR SIMILAR PRODUCTS AND BOXING THE OVERWRAPPED PRODUCTS

Abstract

Method and device for overwrapping products and for boxing overwrapped products, the device includes elements for dispensing overwrapping blanks and elements for loading products grouped together within a work station for distributing and loading preparatory batches and elements for closing preparatory batches and elements for offloading overwrapped batches grouped together within a work station for closing and offloading the overwrapped batches. The device also includes receiving elements including a first pair of shuttle shapers to adjust the volume of overwrapping blanks around the products to receive the preparatory batches. These shuttle shapers are arranged along a first distribution path for moving in phase opposition to one another so that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers is in position for distributing and loading the preparatory batches, the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is in position for closing and offloading the overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of packaging. It more particularly relates to the field of overwrapping and boxing identical or similar products formed into batches.

The invention applies particularly but not exclusively to fresh milk products, cheese products, compotes, and any other product of different types or destinations but which can be considered identical or similar for grouping into batches.

For the production of such overwrapped batches of products, the content to be packaged, the primary packaging (jars and caps) possibly arranged on trays, and the individualized overwrapping blanks need to be produced or available. Then the products themselves are created, meaning the primary packaging is filled with the desired content then closed with the lids. Next, batches of products are formed by grouping and possibly layering these products. Then a folded and erected overwrapping blank is arranged around each batch of products. Lastly, these batches of overwrapped products are placed in a box of cardboard or analogous material which serves as outer packaging for their transport to distribution markets.

Document EP-A-1 116 676 is known from the prior art, which relates to an overwrapping machine comprising a conveyor which receives successive groups of products and transports them from an upstream location to a downstream location; a feed track along which the products are transported towards the conveyor one by one and adjacent to one another; means for transferring products from the feed track to the conveyor, which take and group the products into separate batches; and a carrier which transfers cardboard overwrapping blanks, placed substantially flat on the carrier, one by one to said conveyor, and arranges the overwrapping blanks on the conveyor opposite the batches of products; driving means and transfer means; and, lastly, a device for controlling and actuating the driving means, able to apply a preprogrammed speed profile to each driving means according to the desired spacing between and/or type of the batches.

Such a device has several disadvantages.

Firstly, it requires having a plurality of adjacent workstations arranged one after the other in order to carry out the various steps involved in packaging the products into overwrapped batches and placing these overwrapped batches into boxes for handling. However, these workstations lie within production lines of a length which generates significant size requirements for a packaging installation.

Secondly, this devices makes the overwrapping operation almost obligatory because the linear arrangement of the stations implies that the products not requiring overwrapping must still pass through the overwrapping stations. This obviously results in an unacceptable loss of time considering the constraints imposed on the packaging of certain products.

Also known from document FR-A-2 910 879 is a device for overwrapping products organized into batches with overwrapping blanks arranged around them. This device comprises a carousel having receptacles and four workstations, distributed around the carousel, respectively comprising means for dispensing overwrapping blanks to the receptacles, means for loading products into the receptacles, means for folding and/or closing overwrapping blanks around the products in order to form overwrapped batches of products, and means for offloading overwrapped batches to boxes. This arrangement of workstations around the carousel has the purpose of reducing the dimensions of the installation compared to linear devices such as the one presented above.

It presents disadvantages, however.

In fact, such an arrangement, considering the position of the various workstations around the carousel, also implies that the products pass in front of the overwrapping station even when they do not have to be overwrapped and could therefore skip their passage in front of this station.

In addition, because the workstations are arranged one after another on the production line, the speed of this installation is limited by the slowest work station, which does not allow making full use of the speed of the other stations via concurrent operation.

Other devices for overwrapping products arranged into batches are also known from the prior art, such as the ones disclosed by documents U.S.-A1-2004/031236, DE-A1-21 23 991, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,541 and DE-A1-33 01 013. However, as with the devices presented above, these devices of the prior art do not allow sufficient speed.

In this context, the goal of the invention is to propose a device and a method for overwrapping that eliminates at least one of the limitations mentioned above. More particularly, the goal of the invention is to propose an overwrapping device and method of reduced dimensions, which does not necessarily require the passage of the formed batches of products through a workstation exclusively dedicated to overwrapping, and which ensures an optimized production rate.

For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for overwrapping identical or similar products, and boxing overwrapped products, comprising: means for supplying flat overwrapping blanks and means for supplying products, moving in an incoming axial stream, means for supplying boxes empty of products and means for carrying away boxes filled with overwrapped products, moving in an outgoing axial stream; distribution means able to distribute, in a sequential manner, flat overwrapping blanks from the means for supplying overwrapping blanks to recessed receiving means; loading means able to load products sequentially from the product supply means into the receiving means, so as to form preparatory batches composed of products, and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks; closing means able to close sequentially the erected and open overwrapping blanks onto the preparatory batches so as to form overwrapped batches composed of products overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks; offloading means able to offload the overwrapped batches sequentially from the receiving means to the boxes supplied by the means for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products, by the means for carrying away filled boxes.

In the invention, the distribution means and the loading means are grouped in a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, and the closing means and offloading means are grouped in a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches; the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers able to erect overwrapping blanks around products in order to receive the preparatory batches; the shuttle shapers of the first pair are arranged on a first distribution path and are able to be moved along the first distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, the device comprises the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches only.

In one embodiment, the device comprises adhesive material placement means which allow placing adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks so as to keep closed the overwrapped batches comprising the erected and closed overwrapped blanks.

In this case, in one embodiment, the adhesive material placement means are arranged near the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows on the fly placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

In this case, in another embodiment, the adhesive material placement means are arranged in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows the placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks when these erected and open overwrapping blanks are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches and before making use of the closing means.

In one embodiment, the device comprises means for distributing informational or decorative elements, able to affix informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks.

In this case, in one embodiment, the means for distributing informational or decorative elements are arranged in proximity to the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows on the fly distribution of informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

In cases where the adhesive material placement means and the means for distributing informational or decorative elements are arranged in proximity to the first path of distribution, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in one embodiment the adhesive material placement means and the distribution means for decorative elements are structurally and functionally linked to each other.

In one embodiment, the informational or decorative elements are chosen from among: ink, self-sticking labels, and similar elements.

In one embodiment, the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers able to erect overwrapping blanks around products in order to receive the preparatory batches, the shuttle shapers of the second pair being arranged on a second distribution path and able to be moved along the second distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second distribution path comprises: a support rail extending in a longitudinal direction; transmission means supported by the support rail and able to drive the shuttle shapers in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction of the support rail; and a drive motor able to set the transmission means in motion.

In this case, in one embodiment, the transmission means present a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair and/or of the second pair in opposite directions.

In a first variant, the transmission means can then comprise one or two closed transmission elements, such as a belt or chain.

In cases where the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers arranged on a second distribution path, in one embodiment the support rail of the second distribution path is parallel and opposite the support rail of the first distribution path.

In cases where the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers arranged on a second distribution path, in one embodiment the drive motor for the first distribution path also constitutes the drive motor for the second distribution path.

In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for overwrapping identical or similar products, and for boxing overwrapped products, comprising a plurality of steps consisting of: having means for supplying flat overwrapping blanks, means for supplying products moving in an incoming axial stream, means for supplying boxes empty of products, and means for carrying away boxes filled with overwrapped products moving in an outgoing axial stream; sequentially distributing flat overwrapping blanks, from the means for supplying overwrapping blanks to recessed receiving means; and sequentially loading products from the product supply means into the receiving means, so as to form preparatory batches composed of products and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks; sequentially closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks onto the preparatory batches so as to form overwrapped batches composed of products overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks; sequentially offloading the overwrapped batches from the receiving means to the boxes supplied by the means for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products, by the means for carrying away filled boxes.

In the invention, the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers which alternately participate in erecting overwrapping blanks around products during the receiving of preparatory batches; during a first phase, the steps of distributing overwrapping blanks and loading products are performed one after the other within a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches in which is located one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair, and, simultaneously, and also during this first phase, the steps of closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks and offloading the overwrapped batches to the boxes are performed one after the other within a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches in which is located the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair; during a second phase, the shuttle shapers of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution path, are moved along the first distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches.

In one embodiment, the method only uses the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step consisting of distributing an adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks in a manner that keeps closed the overwrapped batches comprising the erected and closed overwrapping blanks.

In this case, in one embodiment, the step of distributing adhesive material consists of placing adhesive material, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between said distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and said closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks.

In this same case, in one variant, the step of distributing adhesive material consists of distributing adhesive material, within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks when these erected and open overwrapping blanks are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks F.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step consisting of distributing informational and decorative elements in a manner that affixes these informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks.

In this case, the step of distributing informational or decorative elements consists of distributing, on the fly between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

In one embodiment, the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers which alternately participate in erecting the overwrapping blanks around products during the receiving of preparatory batches; during the first phase, one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches; during the second phase, the shuttle shapers of the second pair, arranged on a second distribution path, are moved along the second distribution path in phase opposition relative to each other, such that one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches.

In this case, in one embodiment, the shuttle shapers of the first pair and the shuttle shapers of the second pair are driven by a single drive motor.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, provided as an illustration that is in no way to be considered as limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial overall perspective view of an overwrapping machine of the invention, in which are located products, flat overwrapping blanks, empty boxes, and overwrapped batches arranged in boxes;

FIG. 2A is a detailed partial perspective view of means for supplying products in an incoming axial stream, as part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a detailed top view of the means for supplying products in an incoming axial stream, and more particularly of the synchronized product transport means which are part of these supply means;

FIG. 3A is a detailed partial perspective view of means for supplying overwrapping blanks, as part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1, comprising several magazines of flat and stacked overwrapping blanks;

FIG. 3B is a detailed partial perspective view of means for distributing overwrapping blanks, which are part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1 and which comprise means 40 for unstacking the overwrapping blanks;

FIG. 4 is a detailed partial perspective view of the product supply means, synchronized product transport means, overwrapping blank supply means, and overwrapping blank distribution means, all as part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed partial perspective view of the receiving means which are part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1 and which comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers able to move in a back and forth motion along a first distribution path;

FIG. 6 is a detailed partial perspective view of the receiving and shaping means which are part of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are detailed partial perspective views of means for closing overwrapping blanks and means for offloading overwrapped batches into boxes, which allow the packaging for shipment and the handling of overwrapped batches positioned in the closing and offloading station of the overwrapping machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a detailed partial perspective view of an embodiment of the receiving means as part of an overwrapping machine of the invention, comprising a first and a second pair of shuttle shapers.

The invention relates to overwrapping, with an overwrapping blank F, identical or similar products A, meaning products having dimensions that are relatively close to each other but possibly with certain distinctions, such as ones that are ornamental in nature.

In one non-limiting embodiment, these products A can be arranged on trays P each containing a plurality of articles A of substantially the same length in a line advancement direction D which is considered to be longitudinal. The products A, or possibly the trays P of products A, are arranged in one or more columns, one or more rows, and/or one or more layers in order to form the batches L of products A.

The products A are typically in primary packaging such as containers of plastic, waxed cardboard, or similar, intended to be closed with lids and containing fresh or ultra-fresh milk products such as yogurt and similar, puddings, ice creams and similar, but also cheese products and compotes. These are non-limiting examples only, and the term “product” by convention means a primary packaging filled with its content. In a typical embodiment, the products A are generally cylindrical or prismatic or pseudo-cylindrical or pseudo-prismatic or ovoid in shape, or similar, with a normally vertical axis. In a typical embodiment, such a product A has a longitudinal length of a few centimeters.

The batches L of products A are intended to be overwrapped in a manner that forms overwrapped batches L_S. This overwrapping is typically done using an overwrapping blank F, of flat cardboard or analogous material, having precuts and fold lines to facilitate its erection into a predetermined shape.

The method can be implemented and the device can function when the products A and overwrapping blanks F are produced separately. In particular, the method of the invention can be implemented and the machine of the invention can be installed downstream, in particular immediately or almost immediately downstream from a line or unit which produces the articles A (creating the content, filling, and closing).

There is therefore an incoming axial stream 10 of products A.

The device of the invention, as represented in FIG. 1, comprises a frame and appropriate support elements (only partially represented). This device extends in a substantially horizontal plane.

Firstly, the device comprises product A supply means 12.

These product A supply means 12 allow transporting these products A as an incoming axial stream 10, along the advancement direction D which is also the direction of motion of the parts and elements that drive the supply means 12, such as conveyors or conveying means.

The direction D is also considered to be longitudinal. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D is considered to be “transverse”.

The conveyors or conveying means and therefore the products A are able to be set in motion along the longitudinal direction D in a given direction, which allows defining an upstream side and a downstream side of the supply means 12.

A portion of the product A supply means 12 is represented in more detail in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

These product A supply means 12 comprise in particular two band conveyor belts 14, arranged at the exit or near the exit from a line or a unit which produces articles A. These two conveyor belts 14 transport the products A in the longitudinal direction D from the upstream side to the downstream side.

These supply means 12 also comprise synchronized transport means 16 for the products A which allow accelerating, slowing, or stopping the products A relative to the movement of the conveyor belts 14 when these products A are located inside a loading area 20. The synchronized transport means 16 therefore allow precise positioning of the products A. More particularly, these synchronized transport means 16 for the products A comprise two worm-gear systems arranged facing one another in order to constrain the positioning of the products A in the longitudinal direction D and in the transverse direction. The positioning of the products A in the loading area 20 is thus controlled and precise.

The supply means 12 additionally comprise positioning sensors 18 which allow identifying the position of the products A in the incoming axial stream 10 and, in particular, to determine when these products A are in place inside the loading area 20.

The synchronized transport means 16 are controlled by these positioning sensors 18 and allow maintaining the products A in position when they are located inside this loading area 20.

The device of the invention also comprises product A loading means 22.

These product A loading means 22 are able to load products A sequentially from the product A supply means 12 into recessed receiving means (described below).

These loading means 22 comprise one or more gripper heads 24 able to grip the products A in order to move them from the loading area 20 to the recessed receiving means. Advantageously, said loading means 22 comprise sufficient gripper heads 24 to ensure the manipulation and movement of products A forming one or more batches L. However, such manipulation may, depending on circumstances, be done in one pass or in multiple passes.

The gripper heads 24 are able to move in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D, and in the vertical direction, in order to extract, from the top, the products A from the loading area 20 and transport them in the transverse direction to the recessed receiving means.

As described above, it should be noted that these gripper heads 24 can be controlled by the position sensors 18 such that the manipulation and movement of products A is engaged when they are in position or are arriving in position in the loading area 20.

The device also has means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F.

The means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F, as represented in FIG. 3a, comprise one or more magazine(s) 34 of flat and stacked overwrapping blanks F, located facing the loading area 20 and offset transversely to this loading area. 20. Also, when the means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F comprise several magazines 34, the latter are adjacent to each other, which facilitates their manipulation.

In the magazines 34, represented in FIG. 3a, the overwrapping blanks F are stacked, are angled relative to the vertical, and are carried by the support elements of the magazines 34 towards the exit from the magazine 34. Thus when a first series of overwrapping blanks F to be used is extracted from the magazines 34, the next overwrapping blanks F—which were previously stacked on top of the blanks F of this first series—arrive in position against the support elements of the magazine 34, ready for dispensing.

The means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F also comprise presence sensors 36 supported by the magazines 34, which allow determining the quantity of overwrapping blanks F still available in these magazines 34.

In this manner, when a magazine 34 only has a predetermined limited quantity of overwrapping blanks F remaining, the presence sensors 36 provide notification of this and either send instructions for replenishing the magazines 34 with overwrapping blanks F or send instructions for using overwrapping blanks F from adjacent non-empty magazines 34.

The device also comprises means 38 for dispensing overwrapping blanks F.

These means 38 for dispensing overwrapping blanks F, as represented in FIG. 3b, are able to sequentially distribute flat overwrapping blanks F from the means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F to the recessed receiving means. These means 38 consist in particular of unstacking means 40 for the overwrapping blanks F.

In the embodiment in FIG. 3b, these unstacking means 40 are in the form of an unstacking wheel 42 mounted to rotate about a transverse axis 42a, supporting a plurality of radial arms 44 terminating in suction cups 46. Drive means drive the unstacking wheel 42.

With such means, the suction cups 46 of the radial arms 44 arriving at the exit from the magazine 34 can capture then move the first overwrapping blanks F found at the exit from the magazines 34. Of course, this embodiment of the distribution means 38 is only an example and is in no way limiting.

The overwrapping blanks F unstacked in this manner are placed, after rotation, flat on the recessed receiving means, as represented in FIG. 4.

The device of the invention has recessed receiving means 50.

More particularly, and according to the invention, the product A loading means 22 and the means 38 for dispensing overwrapping blanks F are arranged around the recessed receiving means 50 so as to form a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P.

This is what is represented in FIG. 5.

In the invention, these receiving means 50 comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers 52 capable of moving in a back and forth motion so as to alternate in being within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P.

Each shuttle shaper 52 has one or more cradle(s) equipped with a base and a peripheral wall defining at least one receiving cavity 54 open at the top under normal usage conditions. Each receiving cavity 54 is able to hold one or more batch(es) L of products A surrounded with an overwrapping blank F.

For this effect, the receiving cavity 54 of each cradle has dimensions very slightly greater than the dimensions of the batches L of products A, to allow receiving, in addition to the batch L of products A, an extra thickness corresponding to the dimensions of an overwrapping blank F.

In the embodiment in FIG. 5, each shuttle shaper 52 has three distinct cradles, each equipped with two receiving cavities 54 and therefore able to accept two batches L of products A at least partially surrounded with overwrapping blanks F.

However, other embodiments can also be considered, as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is only an example and is in no way limiting.

When a shuttle shaper 52 is in position within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P:

• • the means 38 for distributing the overwrapping blanks F are able to place the flat overwrapping blanks F in a predetermined position relative to the open upper portion of this shuttle shaper 52 and opposite the receiving cavity 54 of the latter; and
  • the product A loading means 22 are able to load the products A, formed into batches L, inside the receiving cavities 54, resulting in the erecting of the overwrapping blanks F against the base and the peripheral walls defining the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52.

The placement of first the overwrapping blanks F, then the products A, in the shuttle shapers 52 thus forms preparatory batches L_P composed of products A with overwrapping blanks F erected and open around them.

In one embodiment, it should be noted that the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P can comprise receiving and shaping means 62 for overwrapping blanks F which allow precise positioning of the overwrapping blanks F relative to the shuttle shapers 52, and facilitate the folding and shaping of these overwrapping blanks F as they are erected inside the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52.

One embodiment of these receiving and shaping means 62 is represented in FIG. 6.

In this embodiment, the receiving and shaping means 62 comprise a support plane 64 which supports the overwrapping blanks F distributed while flat by the distribution means 38. These receiving and shaping means 62 also comprise positioning fingers 66 arranged on the support plane 64 and defining the perimeter of the receiving areas 66A for the flat overwrapping blanks F. The positioning of the overwrapping blanks F relative to the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52 is then ensured and optimized by these positioning fingers 66.

These receiving and shaping means 62 also comprise an opening 68 arranged in the support plane 64 opposite the receiving cavity 54 of the shuttle shapers 52 and defined by an edge 70 which contributes to the shaping and erecting of the overwrapping blanks F as the products A organized into a batch L are placed inside the receiving cavity 54.

Because these receiving and shaping means 62 are in a fixed position within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P, this allows positioning the overwrapping blanks F even before the shuttle shaper 52 is in position within this distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P. However, in a variant embodiment, the receiving and shaping means 62 could also be arranged directly on the shuttle shapers 52.

The receiving means 50 also comprise a first distribution path V₁.

This first distribution path V₁ is formed by a support rail 56 extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction D. More specifically, the support rail 56 is positioned between the loading area 20 of the product A supply means 12 and the means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F. This support rail 56 extends beyond the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and towards a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S (described below).

The shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair, supported by the support rail 56, are able to move in the longitudinal direction D, along this support rail 56. These shuttle shapers 52 are thus able to alternate successively between a position located within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and a position located within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

More specifically, these shuttle shapers 52 are able to move along the first distribution path V₁ in phase opposition relative to one another such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, the other of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

This arrangement yields a device of reduced dimensions which does not necessarily require the passage of batched products through a workstation exclusively dedicated to overwrapping, and which ensures an optimized production rate. The rate of the loading and preparing of preparatory batches L_P and the closing and offloading of overwrapped batches L_S can easily be optimized.

In order to generate the movement of the first pair of shuttle shapers 52, the receiving means 50 comprise transmission means 58, supported by the support rail 56, which are able to drive the shuttle shapers 52 in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction D. To actuate these transmission means 58, the receiving means 50 also comprise a drive motor 60.

The transmission means 58 have a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair in opposite directions. To do this, the transmission means 58 can either comprise a closed transmission element such as a belt or chain, or two open transmission elements such as rack and pinion elements made to move in opposite directions.

The device also comprises means 72 for closing the overwrapping blanks F.

These means 72 for closing the overwrapping blanks F, represented in FIGS. 7a and 7b, are able to close, sequentially, the erected and open overwrapping blanks F for preparatory batches L_P arranged in the shuttle shapers 52, when these shuttle shapers 52 are positioned within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

In this manner these closing means 72 are able, from the preparatory batches L_P arranged in the shuttle shapers 52, to form overwrapped batches L_S composed of overwrapped products A having erected and closed overwrapping blanks F.

More particularly, these closing means 72 comprise folding rollers 72a able to move in the transverse direction in a manner that folds the open portion of the overwrapping blanks F for preparatory batches L_P and thus forms erected and closed overwrapped batches L_S.

To ensure the closing of the erected and closed overwrapping blanks F forming the overwrapped batches L_S, it can be arranged so that adhesive material is applied to a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks F for the preparatory batches L_P.

In one embodiment, the device can comprise adhesive material placement means 73 arranged near the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S. The adhesive material can thus be deposited on the fly on portions of the erected and open overwrapped blanks F as these erected and open overwrapping blanks F pass between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

In one variant, the adhesive material placement means 73 can be arranged in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S so that the adhesive material is deposited when the erected and open overwrapping blanks F are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S and before the application of the closing means 72.

The device additionally comprises means 74 for offloading overwrapped batches L_S.

These means 74 for offloading overwrapped batches L_S, represented in FIG. 7B, are able to offload, sequentially, the overwrapped batches L_S from the recessed receiving means 50 to the boxes 76 which serve as outer packaging and allow handling the overwrapped batches L_S.

To do this, the offloading means 74 are associated with means 78 for supplying boxes 76, and with means (described below) for carrying away the boxes 76 filled with overwrapped batches L_S.

In one embodiment, the means 78 for supplying boxes 76 allow transporting the boxes 76 in an outgoing axial stream 80 oriented in a feed direction D′ also considered to be “longitudinal” and which is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction D of the incoming axial stream 10 of products A.

The conveyors or conveying means and therefore the boxes 76 are able to be set in motion along the longitudinal direction D′ in a given direction opposite the movement direction of the products A in the incoming axial stream 10.

These means 78 of supplying boxes 76 are represented in FIGS. 1 and 7A.

As an example, the means 78 of supplying boxes 76 comprise a band conveyor belt 82 arranged at or near the exit from a line or a unit for producing boxes 76. This conveyor belt 82 transports the boxes 76 along the longitudinal direction D′ in the direction opposite the movement direction of the products A in the incoming axial stream 10.

The means 78 of supplying boxes 76 are synchronized with the offloading means 74, to allow accelerating, slowing, or stopping the boxes 76 along the outgoing axial stream 80. In this manner, it is possible to ensure precise positioning of the boxes 76 relative to the offloading means 74 in order to offload the overwrapped batches L_S into the boxes 76.

The supply means 78 additionally comprise positioning sensors 84 which allow identifying the position of the boxes 76 in the outgoing axial stream 80 and, in particular, determining when these boxes 76 are at the right location for offloading. The conveyor belt 82, which is controlled by its positioning sensors 78, is then stopped in order to offload the overwrapped batches L_S into the boxes 76.

The device also comprises means 86 for carrying away the boxes 76.

These means 86 for carrying away the boxes 76 are, for example, in the form of a conveyor belt which sets the boxes 76 filled with overwrapped batches L_S in motion and conveys them away from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

As an example, the means 86 for carrying away the boxes 76 comprise, for example, a band conveyor belt 88 arranged at or near the exit from the means 78 of supplying boxes 76 so that the boxes 76 filled with overwrapped batches L_S are distanced from the closing and offloading station for said overwrapped batches L_S.

This conveyor belt 88 carries the boxes 76 in an exit direction which can be, for example, transverse to the longitudinal direction D′ of the means 78 for supplying boxes 76. This way, the means 86 for carrying away boxes 76 allows transporting the boxes 76 filled with overwrapped batches L_S to a handling station, for example.

The device can comprise means for distributing informational or decorative elements.

These means for distributing informational or decorative elements (not represented) can then be used to affix informational or decorative elements, corresponding for example to commercial labels, RFID labels, barcode labels, ink, self-sticking illustrations, or similar elements, to a portion of the overwrapping blanks F.

More particularly, the means for distributing informational or decorative elements can allow affixing informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the overwrapping blanks F for the preparatory batches L_P when said overwrapping blanks F are erected and open.

In this case, the means for distributing informational or decorative elements are arranged near the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S, in a manner that allows on the fly distribution of the informational or decorative elements on portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks F.

This affixing of informational or decorative elements may in particular be done during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks F between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

In such case, the means for distributing informational or decorative elements and the adhesive material placement means can be structurally and functionally linked to each other. In a variant, these means of distributing informational or decorative elements and these adhesive material placement means can be entirely distinct and separate.

In one embodiment, the receiving means 50 can comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers 52′.

The receiving means 50 represented in FIG. 8 as a non-limiting example then comprise two pairs of shuttle shapers 52, 52′. The second pair of shuttle shapers 52′ is able, in the same manner as the first pair of shuttle shapers 52, to:

• • erect the overwrapping blanks F around products A in order to receive the preparatory batches L_P; and
  • move back and forth so that the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair alternate in being positioned within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P.

Similarly to above, each shuttle shaper 52′ presents one or more cradle(s) equipped with a base and a peripheral wall defining at least one receiving cavity 54′ open at the top during normal usage conditions. Each receiving cavity 54′ is capable of containing one or more batch(es) L of products A surrounded by an overwrapping blank F.

For this purpose, the receiving cavity 54′ of each cradle presents dimensions very slightly greater than the dimensions of the batches L of products A, to allow receiving, in addition to the batch L of products A, an extra thickness corresponding to the dimensions of an overwrapping blank F.

In the embodiment in FIG. 8, each shuttle shaper 52′ of the second pair presents three distinct cradles, each having two receiving cavities 54′ and therefore able to accept two batches L of products A at least partially surrounded with overwrapping blanks F.

However, other embodiments can also be considered.

When a shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair and a shuttle shaper 52′ of the second pair are simultaneously positioned within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P:

• • the means 38 for distributing the overwrapping blanks F are able to place the flat overwrapping blanks F, not only in a predetermined position relative to the shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair but also in a predetermined position relative to the open upper portion of the shuttle shaper 52′ of the second pair, opposite the receiving cavity 54′ of the latter; and
  • the product A loading means 22 are able to load the products A, formed into batches L, not only inside the receiving cavities 54 of the shuttle shaper 52 of the first pair but also inside the receiving cavities 54′ of the shuttle shaper 52′ of the second pair, resulting in the erecting of the overwrapping blanks F against the base and the peripheral walls defining the receiving cavity 54, 54′ of the shuttle shapers 52, 52′.

In one embodiment, this operation of distributing and loading preparatory batches L_P into the shuttle shapers of the first pair and of the second pair can be done simultaneously in a single phase, or, in a variant, can be done successively in two consecutive phases.

The placement of overwrapping blanks F first, then products A, in the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair thus allows forming preparatory batches L_P composed of products A with overwrapping blanks F erected and open around them.

In one embodiment, it should be noted that the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P can comprise receiving and shaping means 62 for overwrapping blanks F which allow precise positioning of overwrapping blanks F relative to the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair, and facilitate the folding and shaping of these overwrapping blanks F as they are erected inside the receiving cavity 54′ of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair.

One embodiment of these receiving and shaping means 62 is represented in FIG. 6.

The receiving means 50 also comprise a second distribution path V₂.

This second distribution path V₂ is formed by a support rail 56′ extending horizontally in the longitudinal direction D. More specifically, the support rail 56′ is positioned between the loading area 20 for of the product A supply means 12 and the means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F. This support rail 56′ extends beyond the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

This second distribution path V₂ is preferably parallel to the first distribution path V₁, which facilitates the positioning of the stations for distributing and loading preparatory batches L_P and for closing and offloading overwrapped batches L_S, and which minimizes the dimensions of the device.

The shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair, supported by the support rail 56′, are able to move in the longitudinal direction D, along this support rail 56′. These shuttle shapers 52′ are thus able to alternate successively between a position located within the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P and a position located within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

More specifically, these shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair are able to move along the second distribution path V₂ in phase opposition relative to one another such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P, the other of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S, and vice versa.

This arrangement yields a device of reduced dimensions which does not necessarily require the passage of batched products through a workstation exclusively dedicated to overwrapping, and which therefore ensures an optimized production rate. The rate of the loading and preparing of preparatory batches L_P and the closing and offloading of overwrapped batches L_S can easily be optimized.

In order to generate the movement of the second pair of shuttle shapers 52′, the receiving means 50 comprise transmission means 58′, supported by the support rail 56′, which are able to drive the shuttle shapers 52′ in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction D. To actuate these transmission means 58′, the receiving means 50 also comprise a second drive motor 60′.

However, in an alternative embodiment (not represented), it is also possible to have the drive motor 60 for the first distribution path V₁ also serve as the drive motor for the second distribution path V₂.

The transmission means 58′ have a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair in opposite directions. To do this, the transmission means 58′ can either comprise a closed transmission element such as a belt or chain, or two open transmission elements such as rack and pinion elements made to move in opposite directions.

The overwrapping method of the invention is now described in a detailed manner.

This overwrapping method for products A consists of having available: means 32 for supplying flat overwrapping blanks F, means for supplying 12 products A moving in an incoming axial stream 10, means 78 for supplying empty boxes 76, and means 86 for carrying away boxes 86 filled with products A formed into overwrapped batches L_S moving in an outgoing axial stream 80, as described above.

The method also comprises a step consisting of sequentially distributing flat overwrapping blanks F from the means 32 for supplying overwrapping blanks F to the recessed receiving means 50, and sequentially loading products A from the means 12 for supplying products A into the receiving means 50, so as to form preparatory batches L_P composed of products A with overwrapping blanks F erected and open around them.

The method additionally comprises a step consisting of sequentially closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks F onto the preparatory batches L_P so as to form overwrapped batches L_S composed of products A overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks F, and a step consisting of sequentially offloading the overwrapped batches L_S from the receiving means 50 to the boxes 76 supplied by the means 12 for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products A, by the means 78 for carrying away filled boxes 76.

In the invention, the receiving means 50 comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers 52 which alternately participate in erecting the overwrapping blanks F around the products A during the receiving of preparatory batches L_P.

During a first phase, the steps of distributing overwrapping blanks F and loading products A are performed one after the other within a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P in which is located one of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair. Simultaneously, the steps of closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks F and offloading the overwrapped batches L_S to the boxes 76 are done one after the other within a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S in which is located the other of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair.

During a second phase, the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution path V₁, are moved along the first distribution path V₁ in phase opposition relative to one another, such that one of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S, while the other of the shuttle shapers 52 of the first pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P.

As mentioned above, it should be stressed that, in one embodiment, the recessed receiving means 50 may comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers 52′ which alternately participate in erecting the overwrapping blanks F around products A during the receiving of preparatory batches L_P.

Thus, during the first phase, one of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P while the other of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S.

During the second phase, the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair, arranged on the second distribution path V₂, are moved along this second distribution path V₂ in phase opposition relative to one another, such that one of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S while the other of the shuttle shapers 52′ of the second pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches L_S towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches L_P.

Claims

1-24. (canceled)

25. Device for overwrapping identical or similar products, and boxing overwrapped products, comprising: characterized by the fact that:

means for supplying flat overwrapping blanks and means for supplying products, moving in an incoming axial stream, means for supplying boxes empty of products and means for carrying away boxes filled with overwrapped products, moving in an outgoing axial stream;

distribution means able to distribute, in a sequential manner, flat overwrapping blanks from the means for supplying overwrapping blanks to recessed receiving means;

loading means able to load products sequentially from the means for supplying products into the receiving means, so as to form preparatory batches composed of products and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks;

closing means able to close sequentially the erected and open overwrapping blanks onto the preparatory batches so as to form overwrapped batches composed of products overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks;

unloading means able to offload the overwrapped batches sequentially from the receiving means to the boxes supplied by the means for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products, by the means for carrying away filled boxes,

the distributing means and the loading means are grouped in a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, and the closing means and offloading means are grouped in a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches;

the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers able to erect overwrapping blanks around products in order to receive the preparatory batches;

the shuttle shapers of the first pair are arranged on a first distribution path and are able to be moved along the first distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches (LP), the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

26. Device according to claim 25, comprising the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches only.

27. Device according to claim 25, comprising adhesive material placement means which allow placing adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks so as to keep closed the overwrapped batches comprising the erected and closed overwrapping blanks.

28. Device according to claim 27, further comprising one of the following features:

the adhesive material placement means are arranged near the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows on the fly placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches;

the adhesive material placement means are arranged in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows the placement of adhesive material on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks when these erected and open overwrapping blanks are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches and before making use of the closing means.

29. Device according to claim 28, comprising means for distributing informational or decorative elements, able to affix informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks.

30. Device according to claim 29, wherein the means for distributing informational or decorative elements are arranged in proximity to the first distribution path, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, in a manner that allows on the fly distribution of informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and wherein the adhesive material placement means and the means for distributing decorative elements are structurally and functionally linked to each other.

31. Device according to claim 29, wherein the informational or decorative elements are chosen from among:

ink, self-sticking labels, and similar elements.

32. Device according to claim 25, wherein the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers able to erect overwrapping blanks around products in order to receive the preparatory batches; the shuttle shapers of the second pair being arranged on a second distribution path and able to be moved along the second distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that, during operation, when one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches, the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, and vice versa.

33. Wrapping device according to claim 32, wherein the first and/or second distribution path comprise(s): a support rail extending in a longitudinal direction; transmission means supported by the support rail and able to drive the shuttle shapers in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction of the support rail; and a drive motor able to set the transmission means in motion, and optionally wherein the transmission means present a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair and/or of the second pair in opposite directions, and especially wherein the transmission means comprise one or two closed transmission elements, such as a belt or chain.

34. Wrapping device according to claim 33, comprising at least one of the following characteristics:

the support rail of the second distribution path is parallel and opposite the support rail of the first distribution path, p1 the drive motor for the first distribution path also constitutes the drive motor for the second distribution path.

35. Method for overwrapping identical or similar products, and for boxing overwrapped products, comprising a plurality of steps consisting of: characterized by the fact that the receiving means comprise a first pair of shuttle shapers which alternately participate in erecting overwrapping blanks around products during the receiving of preparatory batches; by the fact that during a first phase and by the fact that during a second phase

having means for supplying flat overwrapping blanks, means for supplying products moving in an incoming axial stream, means for supplying boxes empty of products, and means for carrying away boxes filled with overwrapped products moving in an outgoing axial stream;

sequentially distributing flat overwrapping blanks, from the means for supplying overwrapping blanks to recessed receiving means; and

sequentially loading products from the means for supplying products into the receiving means, so as to form preparatory batches composed of products and, around them, erected and open overwrapping blanks;

sequentially closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks onto the preparatory batches so as to form overwrapped batches composed of products overwrapped with erected and closed overwrapping blanks;

sequentially offloading the overwrapped batches from the receiving means to the boxes supplied by the means for supplying boxes and carried away, once filled with overwrapped products, by the means for carrying away filled boxes;

the steps of distributing overwrapping blanks and loading products are performed one after the other within a distribution and loading station for preparatory batches in which is located one of the shuttle shapers of the first pair, and, simultaneously;

the steps of closing the erected and open overwrapping blanks and offloading the overwrapped batches to the boxes are performed one after the other within a closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches in which is located the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair;

the shuttle shapers of the first pair, arranged on a first distribution path, are moved along the first distribution path in phase opposition relative to one another, such that one of the shuttle shapers (52) of the first pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches.

36. Method according to claim 35, wherein only the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches are used, the method comprising a step consisting of distributing an adhesive material on a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks in a manner that keeps closed the overwrapped batches comprising the erected and closed overwrapping blanks, the method further comprising one of the following features:

the step of distributing adhesive material consists of placing adhesive material, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between said distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and said closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks;

the step of distributing adhesive material consists of distributing adhesive material, within the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, on the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks when these erected and open overwrapping blanks are in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, before carrying out the step of closing the overwrapping blanks.

37. Method according to claim 35, comprising a step consisting of distributing informational or decorative elements in a manner that affixes these informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks, and especially wherein the step of distributing informational or decorative elements consists of distributing, on the fly, between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches, informational or decorative elements onto the portions of the erected and open overwrapping blanks during the passage of these erected and open overwrapping blanks between the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches and the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches.

38. Method according to claim 35,

wherein the receiving means comprise a second pair of shuttle shapers which alternately participate in erecting the overwrapping blanks around products during the receiving of preparatory batches;

wherein, during the first phase, one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is in position in the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches;

wherein, during the second phase, the shuttle shapers of the second pair, arranged on a second distribution path, are moved along the second distribution path in phase opposition relative to each other, such that one of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches towards the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches while the other of the shuttle shapers of the second pair is moved from the closing and offloading station for overwrapped batches towards the distribution and loading station for preparatory batches.

39. Method according to claim 38, wherein the shuttle shapers of the first pair and the shuttle shapers of the second pair are driven by a single drive motor.

40. Device according to claim 25, comprising means for distributing informational or decorative elements, able to affix informational or decorative elements onto a portion of the erected and open overwrapping blanks.

41. Wrapping device according to claim 25, wherein the first and/or second distribution path comprise(s): a support rail extending in a longitudinal direction; transmission means supported by the support rail and able to drive the shuttle shapers in a back and forth movement along the longitudinal direction of the support rail; and a drive motor able to set the transmission means in motion, and optionally wherein the transmission means present a first portion and a second portion respectively able to drive one and the other of the shuttle shapers of the first pair and/or of the second pair in opposite directions, and especially wherein the transmission means comprise one or two closed transmission elements, such as a belt or chain.